Son Cubano Workshop with Rachel from Ahora Baila

Whether you are an absolute beginner wanting to learn the fundamentals or an advanced dancer looking to refine your timing and connection, this class offers a welcoming, step-by-step environment for everyone.

No partner required! We rotate throughout the class, making it a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends and connect with the local dance community.

What is Son Cubano?

Before modern Salsa, Casino, and Mambo, there was Son Cubano. Originating in the eastern highlands of Cuba, Son is the soulful, sophisticated parent rhythm that gave birth to the Latin social dances we know and love today.

Dancing Son is an entirely unique experience defined by its elegant style and distinct musical feel:

• Dancing "Contratiempo" (On the 2): Unlike Salsa or Cuban Casino, which typically move on the strong downbeat (the 1 count), Son Cubano is traditionally danced contratiempo (against the beat). Weight changes happen on the 2, 3, and 4 counts, giving the dance a smooth, deliberate, and beautifully syncopated rhythm.
• Aristocratic Elegance & Posture: The style of Son is formal, upright, and incredibly classy. It utilizes a stricter, more traditional closed frame with smooth, gliding steps and subtle, controlled movement rather than high-speed turns or explosive acrobatics.
• Connection and "Sabor": Son places a heavy emphasis on partner connection, musicality, and flavor (sabor). It forces you to slow down, listen closely to the instrumentation (like the tres guitar and bongo), and express the music through smooth, rolling transitions.

Learning Son Cubano will completely transform your dance journey, giving you a deeper understanding of musical timing, enhancing your partner connection, and bringing a refined sense of elegance to any dance floor!